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Larmer Tree announce breakthrough semi-finalists

Every year the Larmer Tree Festival run their Breakthrough awards giving new artists the chance to win a slot at the prestigious festival – this years hopefuls have just been announced

The Larmer Tree is a superb chance for bands to get noticed. The festival, which this year takes place on 15th-19th July gives acts the opportunity to share a bill with luminaries such as Sir Tom Jones and Jimmy Cliff.

The format is simple, fans need to listen to the semi finalists tracks and vote for their favourite here. The most popular acts then get to go to the finals which are held at 60 Million Postcards on 11th April.

Bucks band Papa Truck have been playing a lively UK form of bluegrass in their current line since 2006 and have worked in places as far and wide as Lithuania, Ireland and Berkshire. See more of their excellent work here http://www.papatruck.co.uk/

Ez (pronounced as in fez) Stone is a singer-songwriter from Brighton. Still only in his early twenties his songwriting shows a maturity beyond his years and he has supported the likes of George Ezra, Rhodes, Slow Club, John Smith and Nathaniel Rateliff along with many others. http://www.musicglue.com/ezstone/

Isle of Wight girl Floella.Grace may be a newcomer on the scene but she's already got herself a booking at Blissfields and has supported a number of bands in the area. https://www.facebook.com/Floellagracemusic

Alex Garden and Ford Collier as The Drystones have been carving out a name for themselves on the folk scene which isn't surprising for a band described as 'the Heston Blumenthals of Folk. see moe here http://www.thedrystones.co.uk/

Hailing from the seaside town of Hastings, Dorey The Wise embody the unstoppable DIY ethic of the UK music scene. Under their own considerable steam they've released a brace of cracking EPs, had airplay from BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio, 6 Music and Radio 2 as well as playing live in support of Example, Scouting For Girls and The Hoosiers http://doreythewise.com/

Also from that side of the country, Brighton based singer/songwriter Cate Ferris will be using a guitar, keyboard, loop station & drum to deliver what she describes as 'Dark Folk' which will be nice. See more http://www.cateferris.com/

Andrea is a London based singer songwriter with a love for folk music, small instruments and stories. Her music is influenced by the city around her combined with her upbringing in rural Devon https://www.facebook.com/AndreaKempsonMusic

Readers may recognise the name of Owen Hackett as we reviewed his EP back in October last year. Hackett who brings a delightful lyrical content is making great strides in his career and we're hoping to see him live soon https://owenhackett.bandcamp.com/

Bournemouth music lovers will have no need of introduction to The Villanovas. This London band can count a great number of people locally as their fans Bluesy,rocky, indie and lively they would no doubt bring an edge to the festival http://www.thevillanovas.co.uk/

Holding up the West Country's end is Al O'Kane who has apparently visited the Oort cloud. Haven't we all. Al's mellow, soulful music sounds perfect for the Friday morning hangover slot! https://soundcloud.com/alokane

So the race is on - please don't forget to VOTE VOTE VOTE for your favourite artist.

The finals of the competition are held at 60 Million Postcards in Bournemouth on 11th April, starting at 7pm. It's a great night with loads of great music so put the date in your diary.